Shri Kaikulangara Rama Varier
Date of Birth:- August 22, 1832
Place of Birth:- Kaikulangara Variyam Kadangode, Thalappilly, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Details of family:- He was bornin a Varier family to Narayani Varasyar and Kaithakkottu Bhattathirippad. His father was the priest of Kaikulangara Devi temple. Kaikulangara Rama Varier was one of the greatest Sanskrit scholars, Kerala had ever seen. He had profound knowledge in Sanskrit, Ayurveda, Astrology, Vedanta, Yogabhyasa, Tarka, Vyakarana, and Music.
In accordance with the customs of ancient Kerala, he was married to a Varasyar woman, with whom he had one son and three daughters. Tragically, one daughter passed away prematurely, while the other two remained without descendants. Consequently, the family lineage did not continue. The ancestral home has since been inherited by Rama Varier’s relatives through matrilineal succession, a practice customary in that region.
Awards and Accolades:- He was entitled Mallinatha of Malayalam literature considering his contributions in popularizing Sanskrit among Keralites. The Maharaja of Cochin awarded him with Veeralipattu for his wisdom. Yogananda Swamikal, one of his Gurus was pleased with his unrivaled wisdom and accorded him the titles Vagdasan, Ramananda Nathan, and Pandita Parashavendran. His brilliance in grasping new subjects within a short period made him deserve the epithet of Sarvatantra swatantra.
Extra ordinary expertise:- Kaikulangara Rama Varier is said to have attained Garima and Laghima of Ashtaishwarya sidhis. Also, it was said that Rama Varier showed Panchendriya siddhi (exceptional aptitude of five sense organs). He was able to predict death by understanding Rishta lakshanas (ominous signs) in a person. He foresaw his death and gave hints to his dear and near regarding it.
Important Works:- Rama Varier is renowned as the author of the pediatric textbook—Arogyaraksha-Kalpadruma. Sarartha Darpana and Bhavaprakasa vyakhyana on Ashtanga Hridaya, Vaidya granthamala, and Vaidyamrita tarangini, two commentaries on Amarakoṣa, such as Balapriya and Balabodhini, are some of his other contributions. Texts entitled “Netrachikitsa,” “Panchakarma chikitsa,” and “Balopacharaneeya” are compilation works from his commentaries on Ashtanga Hridaya. Regrettably, many of his valued books went unrecognized due to lack of publication. Based on various sources, it is known that Rama Varier authored over 40 works, including original pieces and commentaries on a range of subjects, such as medicine, astrology, music, and literature.
Arogyaraksha Kalpadruma:- pertains to the treatment of pediatric ailments, illustrates the treatment of various diseases in a simple way, and is said to be compiled from various Samhitas. The distinctiveness of Arogyaraksha-Kalpadruma lies in the various unique effective formulations, 11-fold classification of pediatric population, Prakara yogas (immunomodulatory formulations), 51-fold classification of Visarpa (spreading cellulitis/erysipelas), and Sakha rogas and pratyoushadha chikitsa (specific medications for indigestion due to various food items).
Many of the major and minor works of Luminary have been lost due to insufficient conservation, and his memorabilia is on the brink of decay. Without appropriate preservation measures, these items will be lost to history. Additionally, efforts to protect and study his valuable works are essential to reinforce Balachikitsa in Ayurveda.